LOSS OF QUEENS. 
247 
the queen will leave. If the first swarm issue and re- 
turn, it can make no difference; reckon from their 
first issuing. 
REMEDY. 
When you discover a loss, first ascertain if there is 
any after swarm to be expected from another stock, 
(by listening for the piping) ; if so, wait till it issues, 
and obtain a queen from that for your stock; even if 
there is but one, take it, and let the bees return ; they 
would be likely to come out again the next day ; if 
not, it is very often no great loss. 
Should no such swarm be indicated, go to a stock 
that has cast a first swarm within a week ; smoke it 
and turn it over, as before directed, find a royal cell, 
and with a broad knife cut it out, being careful not to 
injure it. This must now be secured in the other hive 
in its natural position, the lower end free from any 
obstacle, that would interfere with the queen leaving 
it. It will make but little difference whether at the 
top or bottom, providing it is secure from falling. 
I generally introduce it through a hole in the top, 
taking care to find one that will allow the cell to pass 
down between two combs. It being largest at the 
upper end, the combs each side will sustain it, and 
leave the lower end free. In a few hours the bees 
will secure it permanent^ to the combs with wax. 
This operation cannot be performed in a chamber 
hive, as it is impossible to see the arrangement of the 
combs through the holes. To put it in at the bottom 
is some more trouble ; the difficulty is, to fasten it, 
